Victorian weekend at Warwick’s historic Hill Close Gardens

The 16 remaining “pleasure garden” plots - which even in the 1840s cost between £50 and £100 to buy - are among the last remaining in the country.

Tomorrow (Saturday) and on Sunday, volunteers who help head gardener Gary Leaver keep the grounds in shape are dressing in period costume for a Victorian weekend.

Pattie Hall, the part-time manager of the site, said: “Visitors will be able to hear stories about the original Warwick plot-holders like bootmaker William Sleath, who had 18 children - 16 surviving - who probably needed to get away from his crowded house in Market Place.

“Then there’s auctioneer and surveyor John Margetts, who bought plot ten in 1867 and whose name lives on in the local estate agency business in Warwick.”

Originally there were 32 pleasure gardens leased or owned by local families - the more expensive plots were higher up the sloping site and had better views.

Development led to the loss of some plots until a dedicated bunch set up a charity and worked towards saving the rest and restoring them.

Admission costs just £3 and covers the costs of one full-time gardener plus three part-time workers and more than 80 volunteers.

The gardens can be reached at the end of Linen Street by turning into a car park next to Warwick Racecourse.